Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can open a Future Path 529 Plan account?

Almost anyone. There are no income restrictions, and you don't have to be a resident of Nevada. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, aged 18 years or older, with a verified permanent U.S. address and valid Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number.

Who can be a beneficiary of an account?

The person you're opening the account for (the beneficiary) must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number. The beneficiary doesn't have to be related to you. You can also name yourself as beneficiary and use the money for your own education, or that of an unborn child.

Can I open accounts for more than one beneficiary?

Yes. While there can be only one beneficiary named for each account, you can open multiple accounts for different beneficiaries. You can contribute up to $500,000 per beneficiary.

Can different people open separate accounts for the same beneficiary?

Yes. For example, a father, mother, grandparent, and uncle can each open a separate account for the same beneficiary and can also open separate accounts for other beneficiaries. You can contribute up to $500,000 per beneficiary.

Can I open an account for an unborn child?

Technically, the beneficiary must have a Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number before an account can be opened. This is so the identities of both the account owner and beneficiary can be verified. However, if you would like to open an account for an unborn child, an account can be opened in your name as both the account owner and beneficiary. Then, once the child is born, the beneficiary ownership can be transferred to the child. If we're unable to verify your identities, the plan reserves the right to close your account or take other steps we deem reasonable. Your Social Security number is also required for tax-reporting purposes.

Does the plan incentivize Nevada taxpayers?

Federal income tax-free. Earnings grow tax deferred and are free from federal income tax when used for qualified higher education expenses.* Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution; certain room and board costs during any academic period the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time; and certain qualified expenses for a special-needs student.

State income taxes: If you are not a Nevada taxpayer, consider whether your home state offers a 529 plan that provides its taxpayers with tax benefits not available to you through this plan. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons of a particular plan before you choose to invest.

 

*Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax and other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

When can I change my investment options?

Under the federal laws that govern 529 plans, you're able to move money you've already contributed to a different portfolio within your account twice per calendar year or if you change the beneficiary.

What fees apply?

As with any investment product and any 529 plan, there are fees associated with investing your money. The Future Path 529 Plan is an affordable option:

  • No enrollment fee for starting your account.
  • Annual account fee of only $20, which is waived if you are or the beneficiary is a Nevada resident or invest in the JPMorgan Stable Asset Income Portfolio.
  • Variety of low-cost investment options, which apply a minimal percentage charge based on your account balance.
Can I contribute to more than one 529 plan?

Yes. Account Owners and beneficiaries may have multiple accounts in multiple states.

How much can I invest in the Future Path 529 Plan?

Federal gift tax laws cap annual contributions at $18,000 (or $36,000 if married and filing jointly). Federal gift tax laws do allow for five years' worth of tax-free gifts at one time, totaling $90,000 per beneficiary in a single year ($180,000 for electing married couples)*; contributions are considered completed gifts and are removed from your estate. The Future Path 529 Plan allows you to invest up to $500,000 per beneficiary in a lifetime.

*In the event the donor does not survive the five-year period, a pro-rated amount will revert to the donor's taxable estate.

Can I recontribute funds from a college or university?

Yes. If your beneficiary receives a refund from an eligible educational institution for money paid for qualified higher-education expenses, you may recontribute the refund to the account for which the student is a beneficiary. The recontributed amount can't exceed the amount of the refund.

What if I move to another state?

You can maintain your account and continue to make contributions no matter where you live in the United States.

However, you should consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program.

Can I move money from another 529 plan to the Future Path 529 Plan?

You may perform a tax-free rollover of a 529 account for the same beneficiary once every 12 months. You may move money two ways:

The first is by direct rollover (money is transferred directly from your current 529 plan custodian to the Future Path 529 Plan). The second is by indirect rollover (you request a check for the amount from the current 529 plan custodian and reinvest it in the Future Path 529 Plan within 60 days). Check with your current custodian to verify that it will accept your request for a rollover and to determine if any penalties will apply to the transaction. When you request a direct rollover using either the Enrollment Application (for new accounts) or the Incoming Rollover Form (for existing accounts), you must provide us with a statement from the plan custodian showing the basis and earnings amounts in the 529 account at the time of distribution.

Click through to Enrollment Application

Click through to the Incoming Rollover Form

Who can contribute to an account?

Anyone can contribute, not just the account owner. Ugift® makes it easy, and it’s a great way for family and friends to give something meaningful and long-lasting at birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other milestone occasions. Here’s what you do:

Log in to your Future Path 529 Plan account to get your unique Ugift code. Share your code with loved ones; Ugift can even help with invitations, social media posts, emails, or thank you cards. The contribution goes directly into your Future Path 529 Plan account. You may also contribute using the READYSAVE™ 529 app, available through the App Store or Google Play, and share your Ugift code with a few clicks.

How can I contribute to my account?

You can contribute by:

  • Electronic bank transfer (one-time contributions in varying amounts from your checking or savings account).
  • Recurring contributions (also known as an Automatic Investment Plan or AIP).
  • These are set amounts moved from your checking or savings account on a regular basis.
  • Payroll direct deposit (through participating employers).
  • Logging in to the READYSAVE™ 529 app, available through the App Store or Google Play, and clicking on the “Add Money” icon.
  • Check (made payable to "Future Path 529 Plan").
  • Transfer from a Coverdell education savings account (ESA) or a Series EE or I U.S. savings bond.
  • Transfer from a Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA) account.

We don't accept contributions made in cash or by credit card; third-party personal checks over $10,000; foreign checks not in U.S. dollars; checks dated more than 180 days prior to receipt; or postdated checks.

We also don't accept non-cash assets, such as mutual fund shares or other securities.

Note: Contact your tax advisor to find out the tax implications related to various contribution methods.

Does the plan offer any gift-tax advantages or estate planning benefits?

Individuals may invest up to $18,000 ($36,000 for married couples) per beneficiary without assuming any gift-tax consequences. You can also contribute up to $90,000 per beneficiary in a single year ($180,000 for married couples electing to split gifts) and take advantage of five years' worth of tax-free gifts at one time. (Contributions are considered completed gifts and are removed from your estate, but you, as the account owner, retain control.) Upon the death of the account owner, money remaining in the account will not be included in the account owner's estate for federal estate tax purposes. For more information, consult your tax advisor or estate-planning attorney.

In the event the donor does not survive the five-year period, a pro-rated amount will revert to the donor's taxable estate.

How can I use the money in my account?

To qualify for federal tax-free withdrawals on earnings, the money must be used for qualified education expenses for the beneficiary at an eligible educational institution. An eligible institution is one that can participate in federal financial aid programs and K-12 programs.

Higher-education expenses: Qualified costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment, including computers, certain peripheral equipment, internet access, related services, and computer software, if the items are to be used primarily by the student during enrollment or attendance at any eligible postsecondary school in the United States or abroad; certain room and board expenses during academic periods in which the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time; and certain expenses for students with special needs.

Apprenticeship programs: Future Path 529 Plan money can also be used to cover fees, books, supplies, and other required equipment at apprenticeship programs registered and certified through the U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Student loan repayments: This includes principal or interest on any qualified education loan of the beneficiary or a sibling of the beneficiary, up to $10,000 in a lifetime, per individual.

K-12 tuition: For federal tax benefit purposes, qualified expenses also include K–12 tuition of up to $10,000 per student per year in connection with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school. In addition, Nevada taxpayers can use Future Path 529 Plan assets to pay for K–12 tuition, with no state tax consequences. State tax treatment of K–12 withdrawals is determined by the state where the taxpayer files state income tax. If you're not a Nevada taxpayer, please consult with a tax advisor.

Rollover to a Roth IRA: As of January 1, 2024, up to $35,000 per designated beneficiary from a Future Path 529 account will be permitted to be rolled over from a 529 plan account to a Roth IRA. To avoid incurring federal income tax or penalties, please check the Plan Disclosure & Participation Agreement.

Do I have to use my savings at a school in Nevada?

No. The money in your account may be used at any eligible educational institution in the United States and abroad that qualifies under federal guidelines, including qualified apprenticeship programs. While Nevada recognizes tuition at K-12 public, K-12 private, and K-12 religious schools as a qualified expense for Nevada taxpayers, other states may not. Please check with the state in which you reside to see if they have adopted federal guidelines surrounding K-12 tuition.

Find eligible apprenticeship jobs and programs

How do I know which educational institutions are eligible?

If a postsecondary school has been assigned a federal school code by the Department of Education, then it is an eligible institution under Section 529. This includes most public and private colleges and universities, graduate and postgraduate schools, community colleges, and certain trade and vocational schools.

 

View the federal school and campus codes

An eligible K-12 school is any public, private, or religious school that provides elementary or secondary education (kindergarten through grade 12).

What counts as a qualified educational expense?

Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment, including computers, certain peripheral equipment, internet access, related services, and computer software, if the items are to be used primarily by the student during enrollment or attendance at an eligible postsecondary school in the United States or abroad; certain room and board expenses during academic periods in which the beneficiary is enrolled at least half-time; and certain expenses for students with special needs. Qualified expenses also include K–12 tuition of up to $10,000 per student per year in connection with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school.

Regarding apprenticeship programs, qualified education expenses include fees, books, supplies, and equipment. Regarding student loan repayment, qualified expenses include principal and interest for the beneficiary or a sibling of the beneficiary⁵ limited up to $10,000 in a lifetime per individual.

Do I pay taxes on my withdrawals?

Withdrawals for qualified expenses are exempt from federal and state tax. For a list of qualified educational expenses, see the question: What counts as a qualified educational expense?

How soon can I begin making withdrawals?

You may make withdrawals at any time, taking into consideration the following guidelines:

The money that you contribute to the plan has to be collected by the plan before you can withdraw it. For example, if you contribute to an account by check, you may not withdraw that money until the check has cleared and the money is in your account. Contributions you make by check, recurring contributions (also known as Automatic Investment Plan or AIP), or electronic bank transfer will be available for withdrawal after seven business days. If you request a withdrawal by check at the same time you change your mailing address, the withdrawal will be held for nine business days. If you add or change bank information, you need to allow 15 days for withdrawals by electronic transfer.

How do I make withdrawals from my account?

Withdrawals can be requested online, by phone, or by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. Qualified withdrawals can be sent to the account owner, the beneficiary, or the educational institution.

 

Non-qualified withdrawals can be sent to the account owner or the beneficiary. Please note that earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. Tax benefits and other benefits are contingent upon meeting other requirements, and certain withdrawals are subject to federal, state, and local taxes.

Complete the Withdrawal Request Form

What tax forms will I receive when I make a withdrawal?

The plan will generate a Form 1099-Q in January of the calendar year following a year in which there was a withdrawal from the account. The recipient of the 1099-Q will be either the account owner or the beneficiary, depending on who received the proceeds of the withdrawal.

Withdrawals sent to the account owner will be reported under the account owner's Social Security number. Withdrawals sent to the beneficiary or an educational institution will be reported under the beneficiary's Social Security number, per IRS guidelines.

Can I change the beneficiary?

You can change the beneficiary on your account at any time, provided that the new beneficiary is an eligible family member of the original beneficiary. The following is a partial list of beneficiary relatives who, by law, are considered to be suitable substitutes:

Brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, or half-sister.
Son or daughter (or descendant of either).
Son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law.
Spouse or the spouse of any individual previously listed.
First cousin.

You can find a complete list of eligible beneficiaries in the Program Description and Participation Agreement.

What happens if the beneficiary doesn't want to continue his or her education?

If that's the case, you have three options:

  1. Stay invested. You can leave the money in the account in case the beneficiary decides to attend school later. There's no age limit for using the money.
  2. Change the beneficiary. You can change the beneficiary on your account at any time, provided that the new beneficiary is an eligible family member of the original beneficiary.
    To see a complete list of eligible family members, refer to the Program Description and Participation Agreement. Read the Program Description and Participation Agreement.
  3. Withdraw the money for other uses. You can always access the balance in your 529 account, regardless of what happens with the beneficiary. If you withdraw for a non-qualified use, you’ll be taxed on just the earnings portion of your balance, plus a 10% penalty.

Exceptions to this 10% penalty include a withdrawal made because the beneficiary:

  • Has passed away or become disabled.
  • Received a scholarship, to the extent the withdrawal amount doesn't exceed the scholarship amount.
  • Has enrolled in an eligible U.S. military academy, to the extent that the amount of the withdrawal doesn't exceed the value of the education.
  • Eligible academies include the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.

Additionally, any accumulated earnings that are withdrawn from your account must also be reported on the recipient's income tax return for the year in which they're distributed, and you may owe federal, state, and local income taxes.

Contact your tax advisor to determine how to report a non-qualified withdrawal.

What impact does a 529 plan have on eligibility for federal financial aid?

529 plan assets are counted at different rates for the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the FAFSA formula. Federal guidelines are as follows:

If the student is a dependent, a 529 plan account is considered the parent's asset (whether the account is owned by the student or the parent of the student). As a result, it will generally be counted at a rate of up to 5.64% of its value for the EFC. If the student isn't a dependent and is the account owner, the 529 plan account is treated as the student's asset and is generally factored into the EFC at the higher rate of 20%.

In other cases (such as with a grandparent), the account doesn't count as an asset for federal financial aid purposes. (However, a student may have to report distributions received from the account as income for these purposes.)
Note: Financial aid programs offered by educational institutions and other non-federal sources may have their own guidelines for the treatment of 529 plan accounts.

For complete information about financial aid eligibility, you should consult with a financial aid professional and/or the state or educational institution offering a financial aid program, since rules and regulations often change.

What are the estate tax benefits of a 529?

If you die with money remaining in your account, it won't be included in your estate for federal estate tax purposes.

However, if you choose to take advantage of the federal gift-tax averaging option and you die within five years of contributing, a prorated portion of the contribution will be subject to estate tax. For more information, consult your tax advisor or estate planning attorney.

Can I rollover my 529 funds into a Roth IRA?

As of January 1, 2024, 529 account owners are able to rollover savings from their 529 plan account into a Roth IRA without incurring any federal income tax or penalty. The Roth IRA must belong to the same beneficiary, and the lifetime rollover limit is $35,000. To be eligible, the 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years and the rollover amount must have been in the account for 5 years.

For additional details and information, please see the Plan Disclosure & Participation Agreement.

Transact

Go paperless and save time by completing tasks for all the phases of your savings journey online

  • Open a new account
  • Rollover an existing 529 or Coverdell account
  • Make withdrawals
  • Contribute to savings by bank or paycheck

Some transactions require a signature.

Power of Attorney Form

Grant an agent the authority to act on your accounts.

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Agent Authorization / Limited Power of Attorney Form

Authorize a person or organization to discuss your accounts with a plan representative, receive information about your accounts, and act on your behalf with respect to your accounts.

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Organizational Resolution Form

Identify the officers or other persons who are authorized to act upon accounts on behalf of an organization.

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Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Certify the account owner's or beneficiary's Social Security number or taxpayer ID number.

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Financial Professional Enrollment Form (Advisor Use Only)
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RIA Enrollment Form (Advisor Use Only)
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Broker Dealer Change Form (Advisor Use Only)
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Employer Group Verification Form (Advisor Use Only)
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Rights of Accumulation Form (Advisor Use Only)
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Enrollment Form
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Incoming Rollover Form
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Account Information Change Form
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Beneficiary Change Form
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Change of Ownership Form
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Exchange/Future Contribution Change Form
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Payroll Deduction Form
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Recurring Contributions/Electronic Bank Transfer Form
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Withdrawal Request Form
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Trusted Contact Form
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Additional Contribution Form
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Direct Rollover Out to Roth IRA
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529 Resources

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Future Path 529 Slimline

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Future Path 529 Investment Flyer

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Plan Disclosure & Participation Agreement

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Fast Facts - A Shares

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Fast Facts - Z Shares

Contact us

Future Path 529
P.O. Box 55578
Boston, MA 02205-5578
clientservice@futurepath529.com
1-800-587-7305
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST Monday - Friday

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